
Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11354412) -
2018 - crc - 11/16/17
232 VEHICLE CARE
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Engine Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . 243
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Power Steering Fluid (LFX with FWD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250 Power Steering Fluid (LF3 and
LFX with AWD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . 254
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . 255
Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . 256
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Back-Up Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . 259
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . 260
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260 Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . 263
Rear Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Tire Pressure for High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . 276
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . 284
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285

Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11354412) -
2018 - crc - 11/16/17
252 VEHICLE CARE
Caution (Continued)
.Do not use engine coolant
(antifreeze) in the windshield
washer. It can damage the
windshield washer system
and paint.
. Do not mix water with
ready-to-use washer fluid.
Water can cause the solution
to freeze and damage the
washer fluid tank and other
parts of the washer system.
. When using concentrated
washer fluid, follow the
manufacturer instructions for
adding water.
. Fill the washer fluid tank only
three-quarters full when it is
very cold. This allows for
fluid expansion if freezing
occurs, which could damage
the tank if it is
completely full.
Brakes
Disc brake pads have built-in wear
indicators that make a high-pitched
warning sound when the brake pads
are worn and new pads are needed.
The sound can come and go or can be
heard all the time when the vehicle is
moving, except when applying the
brake pedal firmly.
{Warning
The brake wear warning sound
means that soon the brakes will not
work well. That could lead to a
crash. When the brake wear
warning sound is heard, have the
vehicle serviced.
Caution
Continuing to drive with worn-out
brake pads could result in costly
brake repair. Some driving conditions or climates
can cause a brake squeal when the
brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean
something is wrong with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are
necessary to help prevent brake
pulsation. When tires are rotated,
inspect brake pads for wear and
evenly tighten wheel nuts in the
proper sequence to torque
specifications. See
Capacities and
Specifications 0331.
Brake pads should be replaced as
complete sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does
not return to normal height, or if
there is a rapid increase in pedal
travel. This could be a sign that brake
service may be required.
Replacing Brake System Parts
Always replace brake system parts
with new, approved replacement parts.
If this is not done, the brakes may not
work properly. The braking
performance expected can change in

Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11354412) -
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VEHICLE CARE 253
many other ways if the wrong
replacement brake parts are installed
or if parts are improperly installed.
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder reservoir is
filled with GM approved DOT 3 brake
fluid as indicated on the reservoir cap.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview
0 236 for the location of the reservoir.
Checking Brake Fluid
With the vehicle in P (Park) on a level
surface, the brake fluid level should be
between the minimum and maximum
marks on the brake fluid reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the
brake fluid level in the reservoir may
go down:
. Normal brake lining wear. When
new linings are installed, the fluid
level goes back up. .
A fluid leak in the brake hydraulic
system. Have the brake hydraulic
system fixed. With a leak, the
brakes will not work well.
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir
cap and the area around the cap
before removing it.
Do not top off the brake fluid. Adding
fluid does not correct a leak. If fluid is
added when the linings are worn,
there will be too much fluid when
new brake linings are installed. Add or
remove fluid, as necessary, only when
work is done on the brake hydraulic
system.
{Warning
If too much brake fluid is added, it
can spill on the engine and burn,
if the engine is hot enough. You or
others could be burned, and the
vehicle could be damaged. Add
brake fluid only when work is done
on the brake hydraulic system. When the brake fluid falls to a low
level, the brake warning light comes
on. See
Brake System Warning Light
0 129.
Brake fluid absorbs water over time
which degrades the effectiveness of
the brake fluid. Replace brake fluid at
the specified intervals to prevent
increased stopping distance. See
Maintenance Schedule 0317.
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 3 brake
fluid from a clean, sealed container.
See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0326.
{Warning
The wrong or contaminated brake
fluid could result in damage to the
brake system. This could result in
the loss of braking leading to a
possible injury. Always use the
proper GM approved brake fluid.

Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11354412) -
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VEHICLE CARE 279
.One or more TPMS sensors are
missing or damaged. The
malfunction light and the DIC
message should go off when the
TPMS sensors are installed and
the sensor matching process is
performed successfully. See your
dealer for service.
. Replacement tires or wheels do
not match the original equipment
tires or wheels. Tires and wheels
other than those recommended
could prevent the TPMS from
functioning properly. See Buying
New Tires 0282.
. Operating electronic devices or
being near facilities using radio
wave frequencies similar to the
TPMS could cause the TPMS
sensors to malfunction.
If the TPMS is not functioning
properly it cannot detect or signal a
low tire pressure condition. See your
dealer for service if the TPMS
malfunction light and DIC message
comes on and stays on.TPMS Sensor Matching Process
Each TPMS sensor has a unique
identification code. The identification
code needs to be matched to a new
tire/wheel position after rotating the
vehicle’s tires or replacing one or more
of the TPMS sensors. The TPMS
sensor matching process should also
be performed after replacing a spare
tire with a road tire containing the
TPMS sensor. The malfunction light
and the DIC message should go off at
the next ignition cycle. The sensors
are matched to the tire/wheel
positions, using a TPMS relearn tool,
in the following order: driver side
front tire, passenger side front tire,
passenger side rear tire, and driver
side rear. See your dealer for
service or to purchase a relearn tool.
A TPMS relearn tool can also be
purchased. See Tire Pressure
Monitor Sensor Activation Tool at
www.gmtoolsandequipment.com or
call 1-800-GM TOOLS
(1-800-468-6657).
There are two minutes to match the
first tire/wheel position, and
five minutes overall to match all four tire/wheel positions. If it takes longer,
the matching process stops and must
be restarted.
The TPMS sensor matching process is:
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Place the vehicle in Service Mode. See Ignition Positions
0 181.
3. Make sure the Tire Pressure info display option is turned on. The
info displays on the DIC can be
turned on and off through the
Options menu. See Driver
Information Center (DIC) 0136.
4. Use the five-way DIC control on the right side of the steering
wheel to scroll to the Tire
Pressure screen under the DIC
info page. See Driver Information
Center (DIC) 0136.
5. Press and hold SEL in the center of the five-way DIC control.
The horn sounds twice to signal
the receiver is in relearn mode
and the TIRE LEARNING ACTIVE
message displays on the DIC
screen.

Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11354412) -
2018 - crc - 11/16/17
282 VEHICLE CARE
The rubber in tires ages over time.
This also applies to the spare tire,
if the vehicle has one, even if it is
never used. Multiple factors including
temperatures, loading conditions, and
inflation pressure maintenance affect
how fast aging takes place. GM
recommends that tires, including the
spare if equipped, be replaced after six
years, regardless of tread wear. The
tire manufacture date is the last four
digits of the DOT Tire Identification
Number (TIN) which is molded into
one side of the tire sidewall. The first
two digits represent the week (01–52)
and the last two digits, the year. For
example, the third week of the year
2010 would have a four-digit DOT
date of 0310.
Vehicle Storage
Tires age when stored normally
mounted on a parked vehicle. Park a
vehicle that will be stored for at least
a month in a cool, dry, clean area
away from direct sunlight to slow
aging. This area should be free of
grease, gasoline, or other substances
that can deteriorate rubber.Parking for an extended period can
cause flat spots on the tires that may
result in vibrations while driving.
When storing a vehicle for at least a
month, remove the tires or raise the
vehicle to reduce the weight from the
tires.
Buying New Tires
GM has developed and matched
specific tires for the vehicle. The
original equipment tires installed
were designed to meet General
Motors Tire Performance Criteria
Specification (TPC Spec) system
rating. When replacement tires are
needed, GM strongly recommends
buying tires with the same TPC
Spec rating.
GM's exclusive TPC Spec system
considers over a dozen critical
specifications that impact the
overall performance of the vehicle,
including brake system
performance, ride and handling,
traction control, and tire pressure
monitoring performance. GM's
TPC Spec number is molded onto
the tire's sidewall near the tire
size. If the tires have an all-season
tread design, the TPC Spec
number will be followed by MS for
mud and snow. See
Tire Sidewall
Labeling 0269.
GM recommends replacing worn
tires in complete sets of four.
Uniform tread depth on all tires
will help to maintain the
performance of the vehicle.
Braking and handling performance
may be adversely affected if all the
tires are not replaced at the same
time. If proper rotation and
maintenance have been done, all
four tires should wear out at
about the same time. See Tire
Rotation 0280. However, if it is
necessary to replace only one axle
set of worn tires, place the new
tires on the rear axle.
Winter tires with the same speed
rating as the original equipment
tires may not be available for H, V,

Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11354412) -
2018 - crc - 11/16/17
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE 323
Additional Maintenance
and Care
Your vehicle is an important
investment and caring for it properly
may help to avoid future costly
repairs. To maintain vehicle
performance, additional maintenance
services may be required.
It is recommended that your dealer
perform these services—their trained
dealer technicians know your vehicle
best. Your dealer can also perform a
thorough assessment with a
multi-point inspection to recommend
when your vehicle may need
attention.
The following list is intended to
explain the services and conditions to
look for that may indicate services are
required.
Battery
The 12-volt battery supplies power to
start the engine and operate any
additional electrical accessories. .
To avoid break-down or failure to
start the vehicle, maintain a
battery with full cranking power.
. Trained dealer technicians have
the diagnostic equipment to test
the battery and ensure that the
connections and cables are
corrosion-free.
Belts
. Belts may need replacing if they
squeak or show signs of cracking
or splitting.
. Trained dealer technicians have
access to tools and equipment to
inspect the belts and recommend
adjustment or replacement when
necessary.
Brakes
Brakes stop the vehicle and are crucial
to safe driving.
. Signs of brake wear may include
chirping, grinding, or squealing
noises, or difficulty stopping. .
Trained dealer technicians have
access to tools and equipment to
inspect the brakes and recommend
quality parts engineered for the
vehicle.
Fluids
Proper fluid levels and approved fluids
protect the vehicle’s systems and
components. See Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants 0326 for GM approved
fluids.
. Engine oil and windshield washer
fluid levels should be checked at
every fuel fill.
. Instrument cluster lights may
come on to indicate that fluids
may be low and need to be filled.
Hoses
Hoses transport fluids and should be
regularly inspected to ensure that
there are no cracks or leaks. With a
multi-point inspection, your dealer
can inspect the hoses and advise if
replacement is needed.

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324 SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
Lamps
Properly working headlamps,
taillamps, and brake lamps are
important to see and be seen on
the road.
.Signs that the headlamps need
attention include dimming, failure
to light, cracking, or damage. The
brake lamps need to be checked
periodically to ensure that they
light when braking.
. With a multi-point inspection,
your dealer can check the lamps
and note any concerns.
Shocks and Struts
Shocks and struts help aid in control
for a smoother ride.
. Signs of wear may include steering
wheel vibration, bounce/sway
while braking, longer stopping
distance, or uneven tire wear.
. As part of the multi-point
inspection, trained dealer
technicians can visually inspect
the shocks and struts for signs of leaking, blown seals, or damage,
and can advise when service is
needed.
Tires
Tires need to be properly inflated,
rotated, and balanced. Maintaining
the tires can save money and fuel, and
can reduce the risk of tire failure.
. Signs that the tires need to be
replaced include three or more
visible treadwear indicators; cord
or fabric showing through the
rubber; cracks or cuts in the tread
or sidewall; or a bulge or split in
the tire.
. Trained dealer technicians can
inspect and recommend the right
tires. Your dealer can also provide
tire/wheel balancing services to
ensure smooth vehicle operation
at all speeds. Your dealer sells and
services name brand tires.
Vehicle Care
To help keep the vehicle looking like
new, vehicle care products are
available from your dealer. For
information on how to clean and protect the vehicle’s interior and
exterior, see
Interior Care 0311 and
Exterior Care 0307.
Wheel Alignment
Wheel alignment is critical for
ensuring that the tires deliver optimal
wear and performance.
. Signs that the alignment may need
to be adjusted include pulling,
improper vehicle handling,
or unusual tire wear.
. Your dealer has the required
equipment to ensure proper wheel
alignment.
Windshield
For safety, appearance, and the best
viewing, keep the windshield clean
and clear.
. Signs of damage include scratches,
cracks, and chips.
. Trained dealer technicians can
inspect the windshield and
recommend proper replacement if
needed.

Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11354412) -
2018 - crc - 11/16/17
358 INDEX
IndexA
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . 234
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Adaptive Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . 230
Additional InformationOnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 353
Additional Maintenance and Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Adjustments
Lumbar, Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Thigh Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . . . . . . 243
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .160, 165
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
How Does an Airbag Restrain? . . . . . 79
Passenger Sensing System . . . . . . . . . 81
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? . . . . 79
What Will You See after anAirbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
When Should an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Airbags
Adding Equipment to the
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Passenger Status Indicator . . . . . . . 126
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Servicing Airbag-Equipped Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Alarm Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Alert
Lane Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Side Blind Zone (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . 217
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .190, 254
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . 191 Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Appearance Care Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
Armrest
Rear Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Armrest Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . 213
Assistance Systems for Parking and Backing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Automatic Dimming Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46